Douglas Looks For Respect

May 13, 1997|By MICHELLE GARDNER Staff Writer

The Douglas softball team is taking the field today against Dade County opponent Miami Southridge looking to strike a blow for softball in Broward County.

Broward County has played the fast-pitch game almost four years, yet no big school has won a state title. (Hollywood Christian won Class 2A titles in 1995 and 1996.) "We know people don't respect us," Douglas coach Evelyn Hayes said. "They don't think we can play softball down here but we're hoping to prove a point."

The Eagles (25-3) can earn their first state tournament berth with a win at home today against Miami Southridge (26-4). Cooper City (23-4) is the only other local team in the playoffs. The Cowboys host Miami Jackson (19-3).

Southridge enters with a few advantages over its less experienced counterpart. It has played fast-pitch a few years longer and has a more established feeder system. It played in the state tournament in 1992 and 1994 and two of the team's three seniors started on the most recent state qualifier.

Some may overlook Broward County's top teams, but Southridge coach Bob Schmidt isn't making that mistake.

"We learned a very valuable lesson last year," Schmidt said. "Last year we went into the regional final a little cocky and we got beat by Santaluces. We don't take anyone lightlty anymore."

Douglas, playing in the regional final for the first time, is led by pitcher seniors Jenny Cronin and second baseman Missy Paul. Both earned All-County honors last year but have gone unnoticed by college coaches. Hayes is hoping the team's successful run will lead to a few offers.

Cronin (23-3) has delievered all season. Last year she got in trouble with walks, but this year the three-year starter has had much better control and the Eagles defense has played well.

Meanwhile, Paul has been the catalyst in the leadoff position. In Friday's regional win against Lake Worth, Paul also made a couple of clutch defensive plays.

Junior left fielder Amanda Simms also contributed a game-saving catch in the seventh that came after Lake Worth got the go-ahead run at third with two outs.

"Defense has won the last couple of games for us," Hayes said. "When you get on in the playoffs games are usually lower scoring and you have to have that to win."

Cooper City has also benefited from strong defensive play, evidenced by a 3-0 win over Santaluces in Friday's regional semifinal.

Cindy Turek limited Santaluces to four hits and her teammates were solid behind her. "The girls are ready and they are very confident," Cooper City coach Vinnie Tozzi said.